Tourism to become backbone of Uttarakhand's economy: Bahuguna

Efforts are being made to develop tourism as the backbone of Uttarakhand's economy, Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna said laying the foundation of infrastructure projects worth Rs 38 crore at Muni Ki Reti in Rishikesh.
Among these schemes are a three-lane pedestrian bridge on the Ganga, a community hall and a parking area.
Speaking on the occasion yesterday, Bahuguna said the government was making the best use of the limited resources at its disposal to set the state firmly on the path of development.
The bridge to be built on the Ganga would be completed in one and a half years and would add to the convenience of tourists, pilgrims and local people, he said.

He said a separate authority had been constituted for the development of Char Dhams and other shrines in the state.
The chief minister said work on AIIMS in Rishikesh and Doon Medical College had been accelerated.
Bahuguna said by laying the foundation of the Vidhan Sabha Bhavan in Gairsain, a foundation had been laid for the development of the hill areas.
He also said work has been started on mini Hydropower projects which would produce 400 MW of additional power.